Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Council Bluffs, IA: $39.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Council Bluffs, IA runs $39.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,821 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Council Bluffs's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,096 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Council Bluffs, Iowa, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists in 2026 is $39.34. This rate is noticeably lower than the national median of $48.93, highlighting the local market dynamics. For part-time professionals working around three days a week, typically totaling 24 hours, this hourly pay translates into a practical way to manage a work-life balance while earning a decent income. These SLPs may find themselves in various settings, from school therapy rooms to outpatient clinics and even in telepractice sessions. The hourly wage can vary significantly, ranging from $25.29 for entry-level positions to $53.05 for those at the top of their pay scale, providing diverse opportunities for both new and experienced professionals.
About the Council Bluffs Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.29 | $202.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.08 | $248.66 |
| Median (P50) | $39.34 | $314.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.56 | $372.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.05 | $424.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Council Bluffs
Based on $39.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.34/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Council Bluffs, IA can expect to earn approximately $81,826 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,207. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Council Bluffs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Council Bluffs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,573.58 | $6,819 | $81,826 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $944.15 | $4,091 | $49,096 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $629.43 | $2,728 | $32,730 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Council Bluffs) | $39.34 |
| Audiologist (National Avg) | $43.50 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| School / Educational Counselor (National Avg) | $30.85 |
| Special Education Teacher (National Avg) | $31.40 |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Council Bluffs, IA earn a median of $81,821 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.61% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 3.40% below the Iowa state average of $84,701.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.34/hr = $49,096/year (purchasing power: $54,309).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,826/year (purchasing power: $90,515).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Council Bluffs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Council Bluffs grew 23.7% from $30.58/hr (2019) to $37.83/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.91/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem speech-language pathologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Council Bluffs metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Speech-Language Pathologist in Council Bluffs
As many speech-language pathologists in Council Bluffs consider part-time positions, understanding the financial implications becomes crucial. A 3-day workweek might yield an annual income considerably lower than that of full-time SLPs but still offers flexibility and job satisfaction. Per-diem pay structures present another avenue; many per diem speech-language pathologists in the area typically earn between $50-$75 per hour, with medical SLPs specializing in dysphagia often reaching $80-$110 per hour. Different employer types influence hourly rates as well; school districts may offer lower compensation compared to hospitals or skilled nursing facilities that require specialized skills. Additionally, some SLPs might prefer lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. It's essential for clinicians to negotiate effectively, often highlighting specific skills or experiences to secure favorable rates, whether in traditional roles or emerging telepractice opportunities.
More salary data for Council Bluffs, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Council Bluffs in 2026?
How much do part-time speech-language pathologists make in Council Bluffs?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for speech-language pathologists in Council Bluffs. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Council Bluffs is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for speech-language pathologists (SOC 29-1127).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov